Culture Given New Life

The Plan outlines a direction and specific actions to enhance and support cultural and artistic assets in the City.

The development of an arts and cultural plan was identified as a desired action in the broader plan: People, Places, Participation – A Community Plan for the City of Melville 2007-2017.

City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said the Plan was the result of extensive consultation which identified seven cultural goals for enhancing and supporting cultural vitality in the City.

“Culture is one of the City of Melville’s most valuable assets, and getting the best from the City’s cultural resources requires coordination and long-term planning,” he said.

“A range of strategies and actions have been identified by different areas across the organisation to achieve these goals.

“The Plan is designed to be implemented over three years from July 2011 to July 2014, with the first year already underway until 1 July 2012.

“Year one tasks include delivering cultural and arts events; publishing the Cultural Vitality Plan online and in print; establishing an Arts eNews (online newsletter); and establishing a cultural network for local artists, artisans, art organisations, cultural groups and creative industry to network, promote and collaborate.

“I would like to thank all the people who participated in the consultation process, your input has meant the City can better respond to community aspirations through our planning and delivery of cultural events, activities and programs.”

The Cultural Vitality Plan began in February 2010 with extensive community workshops and consultations through various ways, such as online forums; a photo-voice competition; a community art project involving four primary schools across the City; and face-to-face interviews with many diverse groups.

Internal consultation with City of Melville staff was also conducted, and will continue throughout the three year implementation of the Plan.

The Cultural Vitality Plan is now available at City of Melville libraries, community centres, the Civic Centre at 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon and online at www.melvillecity.com.au/culturalvitality.